Opening old boxes containing trophies from my high school speech and debate career, I couldn’t help but chuckle at my past naivety. Though at the time I relentlessly pursued earning these pieces of plastic and metal, the material pointlessly sits deep in my closet today. However, the speaking and critical thinking skills that developed in that journey are what currently allow me to pursue my advocacy passion. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges recognizes that the true purpose behind legislative advocacy does not lie in boosting our egos with accomplishments, but in changing student lives. >>

Students enroll in college with a belief that they will one day cross the graduation stage. How the state invests in community and technical colleges should reflect that students want more than access to educational opportunities — they want to transfer, earn a certificate or degree, and leave college prepared to succeed in their careers. Yet too many students fail to complete college due to barriers including college affordability, educational resources and a lack of guidance that significantly increases the time to a degree. >>

Though February, known as Black History Month, has come to an end, we continue recognizing the brutal past of minority groups in the United States. At the same time, we hold hope for their future in this country. With optimism for societal change, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) continues to advocate for fostering diversity and equity in Washington's system. >>

Over the past month, I have seen and experienced the legislative process, and it has made me vividly understand that legislation usually beings with a story, an idea, or a passion of an individual or a group of people. When those concepts receive a bill number, get scheduled for public hearing, and pass their chamber of origin, that’s when we see the significance of the legislative process. As the Legislature’s frenzied-pace lulls with the session’s first cutoff, it also places emphasis on future of legislation that hasn’t received consensus yet. Over the last two weeks, it’s felt like the session has been racing to the finish line, but that has not stopped the drive legislators have to address issues and get policy to that line. >>

I fell in love with my high school campus through participating in athletics and leadership activities, so when I left my family and friends baffled by enrolling in the Running Start program at Tacoma Community College. I began questioning the decision, especially as I faced the unfamiliar student body and heavy course load that stood beyond the comfort zone my high school sat in. I pushed myself to join TCC’s student government despite difficulty adjusting to the new environment, discovering a community that has helped me grow as an individual. Positive changes arise when we overcome difficulties, which is why we continue to advocate for legislation that will change student lives, regardless of how difficult the path may seem. >>

Every week the internship experience gets better because there are new prospects and exciting events I get to witness. I cherish and appreciate the moments at House College and Workforce Development Committee hearings. I appreciate them for the fact that I get to start off the day strong with hearing bills that are going to affect the future of my education and that of my fellow students. And I love that I get to be present at them and occasionally testify. My day starts off full of promise of productivity. >>

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About

Legislative News is published weekly during the legislative session by the staff of the
Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to highlight issues impacting
the two-year college system.

SBCTC is led by a Governor-appointed board and provides leadership, advocacy, and coordination
for Washington’s system of 34 public community and technical colleges. Each year,
about 381,000 students train for the workforce, prepare to transfer to a university,
gain basic math and English skills, or pursue continuing education. Visit our website
at SBCTC.edu or email us a SBCTCCommunications@sbctc.edu